Middle College Academy
The new Middle College Academy is an innovative program launching in Fall 2026 with an inaugural cohort of 9th grade students and will be offered as part of the Capistrano Unified School District’s independent study high school, now called South County Virtual Academy. All students will be enrolled as independent study students and will take the AVID elective, which is designed to build the academic, organizational, and self advocacy skills needed to be successful in Saddleback College courses. Students will have the opportunity to take college classes that also count toward high school graduation credit, allowing them to earn college units at no cost while they are still in high school. By earning these credits now, families can avoid paying for the same courses after high school when tuition and fees apply. This program gives students a strong head start, with the potential to earn an associate degree, complete all Cal GETC general education requirements, or earn a career focused certificate before graduating from high school.
